Hughton calls FA to investigate derogatory Bong chants
Brighton manager Chris Hughton has called on the FA to look into the incident that saw some derogatory chants aimed at Gaeten Bong after the Cameroonian came on as a substitute in the Seagulls’ 3-1 extra time victory over West Brom in the FA Cup.
Bong had previously accused Baggies striker Jay Rodriguez of passing racist comments last season but those allegations were not proved having claimed that Rodriguez had told Bong that his breath smells.
Bong was subjected to plenty of boos when he took the field, much to the displeasure of Hughton, who has called for action to be taken.
“It’s down the authorities and governors of our game, and what we see and hear, for people to deal with,” said Hughton, who called the booing of Bong by Burnley fans in support of former player Rodriguez last season “shameful”.
“It’s not nice but the game has done very well in recent years in picking up on anything they need to and the original case was dealt with very well by the FA.
“You are going to hear things you think are unfair and don’t want to hear and that then becomes the responsibility of others.
“I heard them, it’s difficult not to but I prefer to talk about the individual. We have an outstanding individual and our support goes to our players.”
Brighton fans also aimed chants at Rodriguez, calling him a racist, and West Brom boss Darren Moore insisted he did not hear the songs towards Bong.
He said: “I didn’t hear the chant. I heard the chorus of boos. We know what the incident was.
“The game is finished and over with, we move on. We can’t let these things overshadow the game.”
